Friday, Sep 11, 2026 – Saturday, Oct 10, 2026

Gallery Yamaki Fine Art is pleased to announce a solo exhibition by Kozo Shibataka, a contemporary artist and printmaker who has long pursued a singular visual language through intaglio printing. This marks his fourth solo presentation with our gallery.

Born in Osaka in 1948 and a graduate of Musashino Art University Junior College, Shibataka has devoted his career primarily to copperplate printmaking. Having earned international recognition through his participation in prestigious print biennials both in Japan and abroad, the core of his artistic practice lies in the technique of engraving—a process that eschews chemical etching with acid in favor of directly incising the copperplate using a graver (burin) propelled by pure physical force.

At first glance, the works present a quiet, contemplative surface. Upon closer inspection, however, the viewer encounters a dense, taut grid of individual lines. Executed by leaning into the sharp tool to cut through hard copper, these hand-carved strokes layer together to generate a distinct rhythm, a profound sense of depth, and a vibrant vitality beneath the stillness.

Observing the countless incised marks reveals the physical traces of human craftsmanship and the artist’s unyielding intent. In an era dominated by digital imagery, this process, channeling full physical commitment against the rigid resistance of metal, embodies a true dialogue between body and material.

The tactile intensity embedded in every line emits a presence that cannot be fully conveyed through photography or digital screens. It is a quality best experienced when standing directly before the original work. We warmly invite you to our gallery to witness the powerful moment where human intent becomes permanently etched into matter.